Air Fryer Kale Crisps

Name: Air Fryer Kale Crisps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bunch curly kale (about 6 oz / 170 g), stems removed, leaves torn; 1-2 tsp olive oil or avocado oil; Pinch of fine salt; Optional: garlic powder, nutritional yeast or smoked paprika

Kale is worth eating more often, but it can feel like a chore unless you crisp it. In the air fryer, torn leaves turn into a light, crunchy snack in under ten minutes—no butter required. Dry the leaves well, use just enough oil to coat, and eat them straight from the basket or crumble over soup and salad.

13 min total
375°F / 190°C
2 servings
5 min prep

Jump to recipe See steps

Dry leaves crisp

Water is the enemy. Strip the stems, tear the leaves and pat them dry before oil. Wet kale steams instead of crisps.

Light oil only

A teaspoon or two is enough. Too much oil weighs the leaves down and they stay chewy.

Eat right away

Kale crisps soften within minutes off the heat. Make a small batch and finish it while it still snaps.

Air Fryer Kale Crisps

Prep 5 min · Cook 8 min · Total 13 min · 2 servings

Air Fryer375°F / 190°C

Basket time8 min

Flip / shakeat 4 min

Tested onCosori 5.8 qt, 1700W

Crowding. One loose layer per batch. Packed kale steams and stays limp.

Basket liner (optional). Air fryer paper basket liners are optional. They catch drips and make cleanup easier. Use the molded type that fits your basket; air flows around the sides. Never cover the whole basket floor with solid foil.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow each step in order. Photos show what to look for so the basket finish matches the plate.

Prep

Strip kale stems and tear leaves into bite-size pieces. Wash if needed, then dry thoroughly with towels or a salad spinner.
Curly kale leaves tossed with oil in a bowl
Toss dry kale with oil until every leaf is lightly coated. Add salt and any optional seasonings.

Crisp

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Spread kale in a loose single layer. Air fry 4 minutes, shake the basket, then cook 3-4 minutes more until the edges are crisp and the leaves are still green in places. Work in batches if needed.
Crispy kale crisps in the air fryer basket
Serve immediately as a snack, or crumble over soup and salads while warm.